Finding Connection: why a conversation with your neighbour might mean more than you think!

In some ways, we are a part of a world that is more connected than ever. But though we can connect with people all over the world, our connections at home and in our local neighbourhood are not always as meaningful as we need. It is too common an experience for loneliness to be present in our lives.  

Research has shown that loneliness can have the same effects on our health as obesity, excessive alcohol consumption and lack of exercise. Even more astonishing, loneliness can have the same effect on mortality as smoking 15 cigarettes a day! With such health consequences at hand, our neighbourhoods more than ever need spaces and opportunities where people can grow meaningful connection with others. 

Spaces for Conversation

We love being able to foster safe and welcoming spaces which allow for conversations and friendships to flourish. Whether this is an hour spent at our Community Table on a Thursday morning, or time sharing with others at our weekly neighbourhood Dinner, anyone is welcome and invited into the conversation!

Spaces for Shared Work

Working together with others gives us a feeling of ownership and belonging. When we get together each week to do things such grow food, put on a community meal, work on craft projects, having a shared goal can not only bring us together practically, but also help us to feel more connected to others. 

Spaces for Generosity 

When we feel like we are contributing to something greater than ourselves, we develop a sense of connectedness. In fact the simple act of helping others is known to lower activity in the stress centers of our brain. When we are experiencing severe loneliness, this stress can cause us to burrow deeper into our loneliness instead of perhaps reaching out. We love being able to encourage a culture of generosity throughout our neighbourhood where people have the opportunity to show kindness to others. Opportunities to volunteer, show welcome and kindness to strangers allows us to think outside of ourselves and to how we can care for others. Such a culture benefits not only those on the receiving end of generosity, but perhaps more importantly the giver!